Holiday Gift Drive Runs Through December 15th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Women Against Abuse Partners with Philadelphia Police South Street Mini-Station and Toys for Tots for 2015 Holiday Gift Drive

Local survivors of domestic violence to receive holiday gifts.

Philadelphia (November 19, 2015) – Women Against Abuse, Inc., Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence agency, is pleased to partner with the Philadelphia Police South Street Mini-Station and Toys for Tots for its 2015 Holiday Gift Drive.

The need for gifts is higher than ever before, with more than 200 families included in this year’s drive. This follows a 54% increase in calls to the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline in Fiscal Year 2015. Women Against Abuse operates the only domestic violence shelters in Philadelphia, as well as a 15-unit transitional housing program, and one of the nation’s first legal centers for victims of domestic violence. Clients in each of these programs benefit from the gift drive.

“As we grow, Women Against Abuse touches more and more lives throughout Philadelphia. This has resulted in a greater need for community support so that each of the women and children we serve can receive a gift this holiday season,” said Jeannine L. Lisitski, Executive Director & President of Women Against Abuse. “Having a gift to open can symbolize hope for a survivor of domestic violence who has made the courageous and difficult decision to begin a new life of safety for herself and her children.”

"This holiday season, we’re calling on our local community to give a stranger a smile in the form of a gift. It might be the only sunshine they see this year,” said Lieutenant Goodson, Commanding Officer of the South Street Mini-Station. “We are pleased to collect gifts for local women and children, and hope that these tokens of our care further strengthen their morale.”

The women and children who benefit from the Holiday Gift Drive have had to flee their homes to escape from domestic violence. Often, they arrive at Women Against Abuse’s confidential emergency safe havens with only the clothes on their backs.

New clothing, toys, books, journals and gift cards make perfect presents. All gifts should be unwrapped and new. Gifts should be dropped off Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm and Thursdays from 3 pm to 6 pm at 100 S Broad Street, Suite 1500. No appointments necessary. The gift drive ends December 15th.

Call to the Community: Adopt-A-Family Program. Women Against Abuse is also in need of community support for its Adopt-A-Family program. As part of its Holiday Gift Drive, the Adopt-A-Family program is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the holidays and share the spirit of giving by directly supporting Women Against Abuse clients who are transitioning into homes of their own. Participants will receive a profile of their “adopted family,” as well as a personalized wish list. This year, there are more than 60 families who need to be “adopted.” Community members can sign up now through the end of November to get involved!

For more information about the Women Against Abuse Holiday Gift Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program, visit womenagainstabuse.org.

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About Women Against Abuse

Women Against Abuse, Inc., one of the largest domestic violence programs in the country, serves more than 15,000 individuals in Philadelphia each year through emergency safe haven, transitional housing, legal services, hotline counseling, community education and advocacy. For more information, visit womenagainstabuse.org.